Chandni
Chowk started business in 1978, founded by Paul Garrod and Rosalind Price, who
still run the business today.

The company
presently trades from seven retail outlets in the southwest of England, and also
has a wholesale division. The company is known for its ethical sourcing and is
a member of BAFTS (British Association for Fair Trade Shops) as well as a BAFTS-accredited
importer.

Chandni's core business is
based around in-house designed handmade textiles. Many of these are khadi textiles,
which are hand-spun as well as hand woven - an ancient industry still thriving
today, and made a famous symbol of independence and self-sufficiency by Mahatma
Ghandi in his vision for India.

preparation of yarn on handloom, Almora

Many of the textiles are also dyed or blockprinted with natural dyes. These hand
made textiles are subsequently marketed as garments, soft furnishing and floor
coverings. Chandni also markets jewellery, and some handicraft items.

Chandni Chowk is listed in various publications
as a specialist supplier, and has had many examples from its collections illustrated
e.g. 'Kilims The Complete Guide' by Hull, the 'buyers guide' series 'Kilims','
Tribal Rugs and Chinese rugs' all by Allane , 'Living with Decorative Textiles'
by Barnard, Arts and Craft of India' by Gillow to name a few.

hand weaver at work on the loom, Almora

preparation of khadi yarn, Almora

Chandni
Chowk describe themselves as 'merchants of the exotic and extraordinary. Not satisfied
with the merely handmade they have sought to ensure that the vital creativity
of the market is not suffocated by the imposition of needless economic constraints,
as is so often the case. Quality of workmanship and overall originality are still
considered essential.'

Some of the lovely
wool wraps Ganesha sells in the shop and online, are sourced through Chandni Chowk
-currently we are selling the frosty wool range. When I caught up with Rosalind
and Paul at the Autumn Show, Birmingham, they told us about the shawl workshop
in Almora, in the foothills of the Himalayas, where the mountain setting with
its fantastic light is utilised to the producers' advantage in the workshop.

the view from the workshop over Almora

We like the innovative way Chandni incorporate traditional industries such as
embroidery into a wholly contemporary product. This is the way to keep traditional
industries alive, and vital.

The photos in the visual
essay show production at the Almora workshop.

Jo
Lawbuary + Joanna Buchta, Ganesha

Ganesha | e: mail@ganesha.co.uk
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